Last month, Livingston Educational Service Agency (LESA) launched its fourth session of Cooking with a Croc, an eight-week program designed to bring children and parents together through fun, hands-on cooking while building early literacy and communication skills.
Using the Talking is Teaching approach, families cook side-by-side while practicing reading, conversation, and vocabulary. Each recipe card is intentionally designed to prompt discussion and interaction between parents and children, turning everyday cooking into a powerful learning experience.
The program was created specifically for early childhood families. Each participating family receives a slow cooker (Crock pot), cooking utensils, wash cloths, dish soap, weekly menu cards, and all the ingredients needed for the eight-week session. Every week, parents and children prepare meals together, strengthening both their family bonds, and their literacy skills.
The first Cooking with a Croc session ran in May and June of 2024. With the support of ARP funding and a collaboration between Candice Olrich, LESA Student Services Specialist, and LESA's Early Childhood team, the program quickly grew and is now in its fourth successful session.
LESA Liaison Officer Greg Thompson and Communications Specialist Megan Kelley further brought the program to life by creating cooking videos that accompany the recipes. These videos can be found on LESA's Talking is Teaching page at: www.livingstonesa.org/page/talking-is-teaching
Families have shared overwhelmingly positive feedback about their experiences.
"I am totally impressed with the quality of the crockpot, the fact that it includes utensils, wash cloths, and soap! You guys are truly amazing and such a blessing," said one parent.
Another shared, "Our son has really enjoyed cooking for us once a week, and one less meal for mom to worry about has been an added bonus!"
With its unique blend of family engagement, literacy development, and practical life skills, Cooking with a Croc continues to make a meaningful impact on families across Livingston County.